Richard Cooper, the elder

Richard Cooper the elder (1701–1764) was an English engraver, who for most of his career worked in Edinburgh.

Richard Cooper, portrait by Jeremiah Davison

Life

Cooper was born in London, and studied engraving under John Pine. On the death of his father he was able to visit Italy where he spent several years, studying the masters, becoming a competent artist, and forming a collection of drawings and prints.[1]

On his return to England Cooper went with a Mr. Guthrie, to Edinburgh where he settled as an engraver. He built a house in St. John Street, which he decorated with his own pictures. He took on apprentices including Robert Strange.[1]

Cooper died in 1764, and was buried in the Canongate churchyard, Edinburgh.[1]

Works
John Taylor the oculist, engraving by Richard Cooper

Cooper is best known for his contemporary portraits. Among his line engravings were:[1]

He also engraved in mezzotint, examples being:[1]

Cooper engraved anatomical plates for the Edinburgh Medical Essays, and book-plates, and other similar compositions.[1]

Family

About 1738 Cooper married Ann Lind, by whom he left a son, Richard Cooper the younger, who followed his father's profession.[1]

Notes
  1. Stephen, Leslie, ed. (1887). "Cooper, Richard (d.1764)" . Dictionary of National Biography. 12. London: Smith, Elder & Co.
Attribution

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Stephen, Leslie, ed. (1887). "Cooper, Richard (d.1764)". Dictionary of National Biography. 12. London: Smith, Elder & Co.

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